Urgent Pet Care Near Cary, NC

What to Do in a Pet Emergency

Take a breath before you act, because pets pick up on how you feel. If we are open, call us first so our team can get ready for your pet and talk you through the drive. If we are closed, go straight to the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital rather than waiting for us to open.

The ASPCA names pale gums, rapid breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness, and excessive bleeding among the signs that a pet may need emergency care. If you notice any of these, call a veterinarian right away.

Steps to Take Before You Leave

A few quick precautions can protect both your pet and your family on the way to the clinic.

• Protect yourself: an injured pet may snap or scratch, so move slowly and, for a cat, lay a towel gently over the head if needed.
• Slow the bleeding: hold a clean cloth firmly against the wound while you get ready to go.
• Lift with care: support the neck and back, using a blanket as a stretcher for a large dog or an open-topped carrier for a cat.
• Phone ahead: have a friend or family member call the clinic so the staff expect you.
• Hold off on treatments: skip food, human medication, and home remedies unless a veterinarian tells you otherwise.

Once you are on the road, keep your pet as calm and still as you safely can.

If Your Pet May Have Eaten Something Toxic

Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435. Keep the product name, your pet’s weight, and a rough idea of how much was eaten handy for the call.

When to Visit Us and When to Go to a 24-Hour Hospital

Our urgent care team sees walk-ins and same-day patients for sudden illness, limping, and injuries that need a prompt exam. If you are not sure how serious something is, our guide to the common symptoms that mean it is time to call the vet can help.

Certain problems belong at a 24-hour emergency hospital, particularly when they happen outside our open hours. Trouble breathing, seizures, collapse, severe bleeding, and suspected poisoning are examples. A severe allergic reaction can also escalate quickly, so it helps to read about recognizing anaphylaxis in pets before you ever need it.

Diagnostics and Surgery Once Your Pet Is Seen

Every urgent visit begins with a thorough pet exam. Our in-house diagnostic lab and digital radiology help us look for answers on site instead of sending you elsewhere, and ultrasound is available when we need a closer look.

When a pet needs an operation, our team offers soft tissue surgery, and a board-certified team joins us for orthopedic surgery. We also welcome pets who were first seen at an emergency hospital and need follow-up care from a team that can pick up where that visit left off.

Why Cary Families Choose Grace Animal Hospital

We are privately owned and family oriented, and we care about the whole visit, from the moment you walk in until you leave. Dr. Tiana Montell graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Wells completed a rotating internship in medicine and surgery at BluePearl Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Cary. You can meet them both on our team page.

Gentle, low-stress handling helps nervous pets feel safe, and our staff includes Spanish speakers. We accept most pet insurance, offer military discounts, and work with CareCredit and Cherry financing.